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Aguma, A Shining Star, Rivers SEC Declares …Late AG Worked For Independent Judiciary …As Body Interred Amidst Prayers,Thanksgiving
Members of the Rivers State Executive Council have described the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) as a shining star who played a key role in the translation of the New Rivers Development Blueprint into reality.
In a Special Executive Council session chaired by Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the council members stated that Aguma worked for the state with dedication and passion.
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that the late Attorney-General served the state with passion and helped move the state forward.
He noted that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was passionate about his duties and loved attaining great results for the state.
The governor said: “He had a great life of service and achievements. He ran a good race and served the state in a worthy manner”.
Wike noted that the sudden death of Hon Emmanuel Aguma hit the state so hard, but added that the state government must bear the painful loss.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the passion and drive of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State entrenched the development processes attained by the state since 2015.
Rivers State Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri said the death of Emmanuel Aguma was a bitter pill to swallow, and described him as the best Attorney-General any state would wish for.
She said: “Emmanuel Aguma served Rivers State with zeal that never wavered. He was such an asset to the state”.
Commissioner for Sports, Hon Boma Iyaye said that the departed Attorney-General took him like a brother and guided him on the path of service.
Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke said that Aguma was a defender of the rule of law who staked his life to promote constitutional governance.
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani said late Aguma showed uncommon brilliance and increased the depth of knowledge at the Rivers State Executive Council.
Head of Service of Rivers State, Mr Rufus Godwins said that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State acted like a cameo and left the stage when the ovation was loudest.
A guard of honour heralded the arrival of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State to the Executive Council Chamber.
He was received by the Rivers State Governor and his deputy.
Members of the Rivers State Executive Council paid their last respect to the late Attorney-General of Rivers State as his remains lay in state at the chambers.
Meanwhile, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Inyie Iyaye-Lamikanra has described the late Attorney General of Rivers State, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) as an outstanding professional who made valuable contributions for the independence of the Rivers State Judiciary.
In a ruling during a Special Valedictory Court Session in honour of the late Attorney General of Rivers State at the Rivers State High Court Complex, last Saturday, Justice Iyaye-Lamikanra said that the late Aguma worked hard for the Bar and Bench.
While noting that he was the first Honourable Attorney General of Rivers State to die in active service, she added that he was a shining example of the irrepressible Rivers spirit.
She said: “He was a shining example of the irrepressible Rivers spirit. He lived a life of service to Rivers State and Nigeria.
“He was an outstanding Honourable Attorney General who contributed to the independence of the Judiciary”.
The Rivers State Chief Judge emphasised that late Attorney General of Rivers State used his office to advance the welfare of judges and lawyers.
“He died when his services were most needed, leaving us with the need to search for another Emmanuel”, the Chief Judge declared.
The Chief Judge ruled that the late Attorney General of Rivers State be released to his family for burial.
In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN) praised the departed Attorney General of Rivers State for combining professional practice and NBA activities.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Dr T. E. Osakpor (SAN) lauded Aguma for his commitment to ethical law practice.
Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), who spoke for the Body of Benchers said that Aguma was never found wanting in the discharge of professional responsibilities.
The Body of Attorney- Generals of Nigeria, represented by Sani Daudu said Aguma impacted positively on the legal profession.
Chairman of NBA, Port Harcourt Branch, Mr Sylvester Adama said the infrastructural contributions of Aguma to the Bar and Bench would remain evergreen.
The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, attended the Valedictory Court session.
Moreso, despite the fact that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma’s sun set at noon, prominent Nigerians across political, social and economic divides gathered at the Saint Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Port Harcourt for his solemn funeral service.
The solemn funeral service marked by prayers and transitional hymns was formally kick-started by the heart-touching reading of the late Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice’s biography by his daughter, Miss Onyi Aguma, who stated that alongside her mother, Mrs Inime Aguma , they sang a hymn that ushered Aguma into the presence of God.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi , Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel honoured the Attorney-General of Rivers State with their presence.
Also present were former Rivers State Governors, Peter Odili, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Ngozichim Omehia.
Former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, Senator Magnus Abe, National and State Assembly members were at the church to comfort members of the bereaved Aguma family.
In a sermon, Archbishop of Anglican Province of Niger Delta, Most Rev. Tunde Adeleye urged all Nigerians to work towards living according to the desires of God in order to inherit eternal life.
Adeleye prayed God to comfort the leaders of Rivers State, the family of Aguma and forestall such a painful untimely death.
In a funeral oration, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike noted that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was instrumental to the massive infrastructural development in the state Judiciary and the Bar.
He announced that the Rivers State Government would re-name the Judges’ Quarters after the late Attorney-General of Rivers State when the facility was completed.
Wike thanked the Aguma family for giving the late Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) to the state for unparalleled service.
He stated that the state government would not forget the Aguma family.
The governor informed that to cement the relationship, the wife of late Attorney-General of Rivers State would be drafted into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He said: “The late Attorney-General of Rivers State was strong willed and he was loyal to the core. He was a man with character.
“His death is very painful. His service to the state will never be in vain. Having made sacrifices, the State will continue to honour him”.
Earlier on Saturday, the corpse of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was taken to the hall of Orogbum Community, Rebisi in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area where chiefs and leaders paid tribute to him and repeatedly fired traditional canons.
President General of Orogbum Community Council, Pastor Theophilus Akugbo said Aguma was a peace maker who brokered peace within Ogbum-Nu-Abali community over disputed land issue that threatened the peace of the area.
The remains were also taken to his family residence where family chiefs and elders paid their respects at the Obiri Oro-Ede.
The remains of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma (SAN) were laid to rest at his family home at Orogbum after graveside prayers and benediction.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.